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DISCOURSE 59
147
Maharajashri : Tensions and worries will appear in your mind only if you allow those concerns to exercise their influence upon you. You must develop such a mental attitude towards life that those concerns do not agitate you; and vex you. Life abounds in such concerns and anxieties; but you must keep yourself free from those anxieties and concerns. You must strengthen your mind and develop such a mental attitude towards life that those evil and painful concerns and anxieties do not affect your mental poise and equanimity. The company of noble spiritual heads will enable you to develop mental poise and equanimity and a wholesome attitude towards life.
The company of noble spiritual heads; scriptural studies, yogabhyasa (spiritual exercises) and the faith in the Paramatma will enable you to develop mental equanimity and the right attitude towards life. If you do not pursue this path to free yourselves from mental tensions and worries; and if you choose the path of intoxication, your life will be totally ruined.
The life of a certain young man belonging to an affluent family was ruined in this manner. The lives of countless youngsters are being ruined by their addiction to intoxicating liquors or drugs; but when that young man narrated his story, it was evident that the words of the enlightened men are absolutely true. Tangible and visible evidence is strong; is it not ?
A SHOCKING BUT REAL STORY
The young man said, "I was studying in a college. My going to college was only a pretence; actually I was spending all my time in the pursuit of pleasures. I used to spend a lot of money. One day, my father rebuked me seriously; my mind was greatly upset. I did not like to stay at home. I used to spend my time in clubs with my friends. I began drinking. I also began gambling, and I began to steal money at home for my expenses.
One day, outside the club, some rogues quarrelled with me. Since then I began carrying a knife in my pocket. The knife used to be with me even when I went to college.
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